Children's First Aid: Child Choking

Small children learn about their environment by putting things in their mouths. It only takes a few seconds for a child to pop something small into their mouth, which could cause them to choke. That’s why it’s important to know the 𝐝𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠:

 • Child begins to cough, gag or has high-pitched, noisy breathing

 • Weak, ineffective coughing

 • Inability to cry or make much sound

 • The child's lips and/or skin may turn blue

 • Difficulty breathing - ribs and chest pull inward

If a child appears to be choking, 𝐝𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐜. The normal cough reflex will generally expel the object.

 • If a small child is choking, hold them up by the heels and give them a firm slap on the back. 

 • If an older child is unable to cough, talk or breathe, position the child face down on your arm or lap. Support the head. Slap the child firmly between the shoulder blades five times. 

If this is not successful, 𝐢𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐬𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧. (Source: https://bit.ly/3Mus9eW)

The Local Choice Pharmacy is here for you with trusted health advice.